PM calls for broader tax net, people-friendly revenue system

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today (18 August) called for widening Bangladesh's tax net rather than burdening existing taxpayers, stressing that a modern, digital, data-driven, and people-friendly revenue administration is essential for sustainable revenue growth.

Addressing the Revenue Conference 2026 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital, he also said the country's tax-to-GDP ratio remains low compared to its potential, while the tax base is still relatively narrow, and a limited number of regular taxpayers bear much of the burden.

"Repeatedly increasing the tax burden on the same taxpayers is not a sustainable policy for increasing revenue," the prime minister said, stressing the need to identify people capable of paying taxes and bring them under the tax net through appropriate measures.

For this purpose, he said, there is no alternative to building a modern, digital and data-based tax administration.

Tarique said the government wants to transform the National Board of Revenue and the country's overall revenue structure into a people-friendly system where taxpayers will not fear the institution but trust it.

"After the period of fascism, it is now time for us to turn around – in other words, it is time for Bangladesh to turn around. The people of the country expect the NBR to be a reliable and trustworthy institution. Taxpayers, in particular, want to see the NBR as an institution they can trust," he said.

The PM said it is possible to earn public confidence through efficient and sustainable revenue management. "You must take the necessary steps to meet the expectations of taxpayers. The present government wants to transform the NBR and the overall revenue structure into a people-friendly system."

He also called for building a "strong revenue system" in the country in the interest of a prosperous Bangladesh.

"We all need patriotism and sincerity. Let us work together to build a strong revenue system…I wish success to this revenue conference with the expectation of a more prosperous, more investment-friendly and more business-friendly revenue management system," Tarique said.

Expressing his expectations from revenue officials, he said the country's revenue collection showed a positive trend from the middle of February to the end of June.

"I want to speak of hope, possibility, and an expectation. Revenue collection remained positive from the middle of February until the end of June," Tarique said.

"This proves that you can do it. You are the ones who can do it, and you certainly will be able to do it, Insha-Allah," he said.

The Revenue Conference-2026 was jointly organised by the Internal Resources Division of the Ministry of Finance and the NBR.

At the conference, officials from the income tax, value-added tax (VAT) and customs wings presented their respective action plans.

A presentation was also made on revenue and tax management.

Customs and tax officials from the field level shared their experiences and challenges and placed their views on addressing the problems they face in revenue collection and tax administration.

Later, the prime minister visited various stalls showcasing revenue collection activities, tax administration and initiatives to expand the tax base.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Prime Minister's Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir and acting NBR Chairman Ahsan Habib, among others, addressed the programme.